Success creates opportunities, but not all of them are right for you. In episode #1202 of The BIGG Success Show, learn a simple framework to decide what deserves your yes.
[George] One of my earliest businesses was a construction business. We found two houses that we planned to buy, remodel, and sell. (“Flipping” wasn’t a popular term back then.) The seller was facing a significant cash flow squeeze, due to over-expansion.
We completed the acquisition of the two properties. But then, another opportunity presented itself. It was a vacant lot that we could build a speculative (“spec”) house on. So, instead of building a house for a specific customer, we built the house and then looked for a buyer.
My initial instinct was to pass on the spec house. But I’m not a “pass” kind of guy. Besides, all three properties made me feel like saying “No” would mean missing out on an opportunity to make more profit. So I said, “Yes”.
At first, it felt energizing. Productive. Successful even.
https://biggsuccess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/How-to-Know-Which-Opportunities-to-Say-No-To.png430448George Krueger & Mary-Lynn Fosterhttps://biggsuccess.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/BIGG-Success-Nurturing-Your-Inner-Entreprener.jpgGeorge Krueger & Mary-Lynn Foster2026-06-02 08:38:332026-06-10 17:21:37Knowing When to Say No to Opportunities
The disruptions caused by COVID-19 have many of us reflecting on our lives, and looking to set priorities with purpose that will carry though post-pandemic.
George has a new word for pandemic, and we think you’ll really like it. Click the player to hear it right away on The BIGG Success Show. Here’s a summary of the discussion…
The pandemic made us realize just how resilient we are. It also made us face many things:
The fragility of life
Uncertainty in our jobs and finances
Loss of time with loved ones
Our fears
These difficult times also made us reevaluate what is most important.
Our show today is inspired by a quote from Daryl Van Tongeren, an associate professor of psychology at Hope College in Michigan. He said,
The researchers examined how each hour of paid work affected the way high school students spent the rest of their time. They found that each hour of work reduced homework time by about five minutes, on average.
Sleep less
They cut back more than twice that amount – ten minutes total – on sleep. Maybe young people really are looking at us as role models!
Screen pass
The single biggest activity that they reduced was screen time – the average student spent 24 minutes less for every hour worked. The researchers defined screen time as:
watching television and movies
using the computer for leisure (except games)
surfing the internet
participating in chat room discussions
Setting priorities
Previous studies have shown that working only has a small negative effect on an average student’s performance. The researchers in this study conclude that they may have explained part of the reason. It may be that students who work cut back mostly on non-productive activities.
Why do busy people get more done?
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There’s that old saying, “If you want something done, get a busy person to do it.” I’ve found that on days when I have to get a lot done, I do. On days when there isn’t much on the agenda, I seem to step into a more leisurely pace and often don’t accomplish as much as I want. I do better when I keep a certain amount of stress on myself.
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I’m with you, George. When I have a lot on the to-do list, I’m more focused and less willing to allow for diversions.
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People who had juggled work and school were often my best employees. Their grades may have suffered a little, but the skills they learned about managing their time improved their performance in their full-time gig.
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When I think back to my high school days, I had a part-time job. I was a straight “A” student and was involved in several extracurricular activities – band, theater, and the speech team. I don’t know how I did it all! I certainly always had something to do. I was practicing for a competition or a show, doing homework or working. As a result, I can’t tell you much about the hit TV shows in the late 80s.
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But you know all about the music of that era! You’re a prime example of the students in this research study, Mary-Lynn. You pretty much eliminated unproductive play time. Your play time had a purpose.
But I could have benefited from some play time just for fun. I could have used the time to relax and get in touch with myself.
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I completely understand what you’re saying. I think down time is so important. I often find that’s when I work out a solution to a problem that I’ve had trouble resolving. I may be looking at the screen, but I’m lost in my own thoughts. And it’s a good thing! I’m away from the pressure of the situation and my brain just flows.
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In our down time, we may be more creative than we are in a more structured environment. So it’s good not to underestimate its value.
Work time is good because it helps us stay more focused.
Productive play is good because it helps us expand our capacity.
But be careful that you don’t get so busy that you don’t allow any time for purely play.
How has down time helped you?
You can share that with us by leaving a comment below, calling us at 877.988.BIGG or sending us an e-mail at bigginfo@biggsuccess.com.
Thanks so much for checking in on us today.
Please join us next time when talk about what to do if life on your own terms creates conflict with the people around you.
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We recently saw an 
There’s that old saying, “If you want something done, get a busy person to do it.” I’ve found that on days when I have to get a lot done, I do. On days when there isn’t much on the agenda, I seem to step into a more leisurely pace and often don’t accomplish as much as I want. I do better when I keep a certain amount of stress on myself. 
I’m with you, George. When I have a lot on the to-do list, I’m more focused and less willing to allow for diversions.